Joshua 8:3 - So Joshua arose, with all the warriors, to go up to Ai. Joshua chose thirty thousand men, the mighty men of valor, and sent them out by night.

Generated Verse: Joshua 8:3

What does "Joshua 8:3" mean?


This verse, Joshua 8:3, is part of the narrative describing Joshua's strategy to conquer the city of Ai. Let's break down its meaning:

"So Joshua arose, with all the warriors, to go up to Ai." This shows that Joshua, the leader of the Israelites, is mobilizing his entire army. They are preparing to attack Ai, a city that had previously defeated them (Joshua 7).
"Joshua chose thirty thousand men, the mighty men of valor..." This is a selection of a specific force within the larger army. These aren't just any soldiers; they are the "mighty men of valor," meaning they are the bravest, most skilled, and experienced warriors. Choosing them emphasizes the importance of the mission.
"...and sent them out by night." This is a key tactical detail. Sending the chosen men under the cover of darkness suggests a covert operation. It's likely they are being sent to set an ambush, as is later revealed in the chapter. The darkness provides concealment and gives them an advantage over Ai's defenders.

In summary, this verse sets the stage for a strategic military maneuver. Joshua is taking the defeat at Ai seriously, and he's using a carefully planned ambush strategy to ensure victory. The selection of 30,000 elite soldiers and their deployment at night highlights the importance and secrecy of their mission.